UWTSD plays host to the UK’s top apprentices during National Apprenticeship Week (March 4 -8)

University of Wales Trinity Saint David has been selected by WorldSkills UK to host one of the prestigious competitions at its Construction Wales Innovation Centre, to select the team of apprentices and students who will represent the UK at WorldSkills Kazan 2019, in August this year.

Known as the ‘Skills Olympics’, the WorldSkills Competition see the world’s best apprentices and students battle it out to win Gold, Silver and Bronze in their chosen skill. The UK is currently tenth in the WorldSkills rankings following its medal success at the last WorldSkills Competition in Abu Dhabi in 2017.

From March 4 to March 8, alongside the team selection competitions, the University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s Construction Wales Innovation Centre (CWIC) in SA1 will also host a variety of engagement events for schools, colleges and University students. These events will showcase various pathways into construction and demonstrate innovative technology such as new digital construction tools and virtual reality training equipment.

CWIC will also host one of 6 events on March 8, organised by Go Construct and supported by CITB Wales to mark International Women’s Day, across Wales to inspire the next generation of women into construction. Architect and star of 2018 Great British Bake Off, Ruby Bhogal, will deliver a talk in SA1, attended by local schools and colleges that will be live streamed to other venues.

Dr Neil Bentley-Gockmann OBE, Chief Executive, WorldSkills UK, which manages the UK’s entry into the WorldSkills Competition said: “University of Wales Trinity Saint David offers state of the art facilities for us to use to select the UK’s top apprentices and students to compete on the world stage.

“Working with training providers like University of Wales Trinity Saint David and businesses throughout the UK, we can transfer the insights gained from competing against other countries into the wider economy, driving up training standards in the UK to world-class levels, boosting productivity.”

Barry Liles, OBE, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Skills & Lifelong Learning) at University of Wales Trinity Saint David said: “As a provider of high level skills, the University of Wales Trinity Saint David is delighted to host one of the prestigious WorldSkills UK team selection events at our new SA1 Swansea Waterfront development. We recognise the immense benefits to both our students and staff arising from engagement with skills competitions.

“As a dual sector University in Wales, we have a long and prestigious record in developing our learners as competitors on the world stage. The experience gained in these competitions is invaluable for preparing students with the skills and knowledge they need for industry. Hosting a team selection event illustrates to our stakeholders the importance we place on developing high level skills. We wish all those involved in the team selection events, the very best of luck.”

Apprentices and students looking to compete at the next WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai in 2021, should register at www.worldskillsuk.org by 5 April.